Thursday, February 18, 2016

9:53 AM

GOP state Rep. Tom Larson, who is battling lung cancer, announced today he will not seek re-election this fall.

Meanwhile, JFC Co-chair John Nygren, R-Marinette, said he will not run for the 8th CD.

Larson, R-Colfax, said this is his third cancer diagnosis in as many years.

"I’m proud of the work that I’ve done in the legislature. I promised to balance the budget, cut taxes and bring more jobs to Wisconsin," said Larson, who was first elected in 2010. "With all of that accomplished, it’s time for me to step down to spend more time with my family."

Nygren cited his family in deciding against a run for Congress. His oldest daughter has struggled with addiction and has been an inspiration for a package of bills he's pushed through to combat heroin abuse.

"I took to heart Congressman Ribble's reasons for retiring, specifically when it came to his family," Nygren said. "At a time when my son is in high school, a daughter is leaving for college, and my oldest is taking great steps in recovery, now is not the time to make the move to Washington."